CARERS and users at a Birmingham day care centre doomed with closure have said the fear and future uncertainty forced on them by the council has had a “catastrophic effect”.

Campaigners at Collingwood Day Centre, West Heath, heartbroken at seeing carers and loved ones break down in tears, are furious council officer could not even tell them in person their devastating decision.

They are also angry that when they called up Peter Hay, director of adult services who sent out letters, they were told he was off on holiday.

Collingwood Day Centre and Aldridge Road Centre, in Perry Barr, are due to close within months under a controversial social services revamp to save £5million.

Linda Walters, from Northfield, who cares for her brother Gary, 43, who has severe learning disabilities, said: “We all got a letter in the post. The council could not even be bothered to come and tell us in person. It’s shameful. It’s very convenient that Mr Hay is on holiday.”

Birmingham City Council has promised to offer all users of Aldridge Road and Collingwood centres individual counselling and help in choosing “alternative provision”, which has not as yet been explained.